Bump on Dog’s Ankle and Lame Leg

Hi Lisa,
Since you did not send a photo of the ‘bump’ on Bailey’s leg/ankle area, I can only guess at what it might be and give you possible suggestions based on that.

It sounds like it happened acutely, so an injury to that part of the leg could result in edema, seroma or hematoma. These would all cause a bump on the leg/ankle and cause him to limp.

Pain medication would help the limping, but making Bailey rest and applying warm compresses to the ankle would reduce the swelling. No surgery would be required.

Unless the doctor took x-rays, I am not sure how hip dysplasia could have been diagnosed. Also, if Bailey comes from good breeding stock, the likelihood of him having hip dysplasia would be low.

You said the doctor gave him a “cystophy”? And now is going to schedule surgery. Is the bump a cyst?? Did the doctor tap the bump and withdraw fluid, and from the analysis on the fluid determined that it was a cyst?? There may be other problems going on here, since a cyst would not have appeared suddenly and would not cause him to limp.

Perhaps seeking out the help of a holistic veterinarian that can examine Bailey and give you some alternatives to surgery would be best!

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: This educational advice is based on the depth of your question and the picture you submitted. The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Related Pages:
– Dog Warts,
– Dog Skin Conditions,
– Ask a Vet Online Library – Dog Warts, Cysts and Strange Growths Section